RSS Feedhttp://10.40.239.129/blogs/rss-feed/Blog RSS Feeden{03E4EA07-01BD-401C-BC31-D80C52F4B1E6}http://10.40.239.129/blogs/2015/02/know-lung-cancer-get-screened/Know Lung Cancer: Get ScreenedIn the general population, about 90% of people with lung cancer die from the disease. This high number is, in part, because lung cancer often isn&rsquo;t caught until symptoms appear. By the time symptoms appear, the cancer has usually spread to other parts of the body, making it harder to treat.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Lung cancer screening is a quick and painless way to catch cancer early. Screening helps doctors find small tumors or nodules (masses of extra cells) in the lungs before they grow or spread to other parts of the body. Finding cancer early means it is easier to treat, and the chances of cure improve greatly.<br />
<br />
During the screen, a low-dose CT (computed tomography) scanner captures images of your lungs using a rotating x-ray. A radiologist then looks at the images for anything abnormal.<br />
<br />
<strong>Who should be screened?</strong><br />
Screening is recommended for anyone at high risk for lung cancer. High risk is defined as:<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="line-height: 22.4px;">Anyone age 55 to 80 with a history of 30 &ldquo;pack years&rdquo; or more (who still smokes or who quit within the last 15 years). (30 &ldquo;pack years&rdquo;&nbsp;</span><span style="line-height: 22.4px;">means 30 years of smoking a pack of cigarettes a day. 15 years of 2 packs a day also equals 30 pack years.)</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 22.4px;">People with a smoking history of 20 &ldquo;pack years&rdquo; or more and with other risk factors. (Risk factors can include personal or family history of lung cancer, exposure to radon, and several occupational risk factors &mdash; talk to your doctor to learn more.)</span></li>
</ul>
Smoking is the biggest risk factor for lung cancer. Smoking causes about 85 percent of lung cancers. The more you smoke, the higher the risk of developing lung cancer. The risk goes down if you quit. The risk also increases with age &mdash; most lung cancers occur in people age 55 or older.<br />
<br />
If you&rsquo;re not sure whether you should be screened, talk to your doctor. Your risk factors, medical history, personal beliefs, and other factors are an important part of making this decision.
<div><br />
<p><strong>Here's a news story about lung cancer from ABC4 Utah.</strong></p>
<div style="position: relative; display: block; height: 0px; overflow: hidden; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="//www.youtube.com/embed/Zyfuwln3XHs" style="position: absolute; top: 0px; bottom: 0px; left: 0px; width: 100%; height: 100%; border: none;" frameborder="0"></iframe></div>
<p><strong>How often should I be screened?</strong><br />
People who are considered high risk should be screened once a year. If you turn 80, have quit smoking for more than 15 years, or cannot tolerate surgery to remove lung cancer if it is found, then screening is no longer recommended.<br />
<br />
<strong>I meet the criteria. Why should I be screened?</strong><br />
Screening gives you a chance to catch cancer early. If it&rsquo;s caught early, experts estimate that up to 80% of lung cancer could be cured. Catching the cancer early means that the tumors can be removed before they spread to other parts of the body. Screening sometimes finds other problems. Treating these problems can also improve your health. Lung cancer screening requires a CT scan. A CT scanner takes images of your lungs in &ldquo;slices&rdquo; so that doctors can see anything abnormal. In the image<br />
above, the arrow points to the abnormal growth.<br />
<br />
<strong>What happens during the screening?</strong><br />
You&rsquo;ll need to go to the hospital for your screening appointment. Once in the exam room, you&rsquo;ll lie on your back on a table with your arms above your head. While you hold your breath (just for a brief time), the CT scanner rotates to take pictures of your lungs.<br />
<br />
Some people worry about the tight spaces of CT scans. It may help to know that your head will be outside of the scanner throughout the scan, and it only takes a few seconds. A healthcare provider called a technician can also see and hear you throughout the scan.<br />
<br />
<strong>Will the radiation hurt me?</strong><br />
During your screen, you are exposed to a small amount of radiation. However, the benefits of finding lung cancer early far outweigh the risks of radiation. The radiation exposure is very small &mdash; less than you receive from background sources in about 6 months.<br />
<br />
<strong>What is the Intermountain Lung Cancer Screening Program?</strong><br />
Intermountain&rsquo;s Lung Cancer Screening Program provides annual CT lung screening and tracks your annual visits and results.<br />
<br />
Once you enroll in the program, you&rsquo;ll receive letters in the mail to remind you when it&rsquo;s time for your next screening. After your screening, you&rsquo;ll receive a letter in the mail with your results. If we do find something abnormal, we&rsquo;ll schedule your follow-up appointments and additional screening. Talk to your doctor for more information about the program.<br />
<br />
<strong>Trying to quit?</strong><br />
The most important thing you can do to reduce your risk of developing lung cancer is to quit smoking. Ask your doctor about Intermountain&rsquo;s<br />
Quitting Tobacco: Your Journey to Freedom booklet.<br />
<br />
Programs:<br />
If you need additional support, these programs can help:<br />
&bull; Quit for Life Program, 8 0 0 - QU I T-NOW, 866-784-8454, quitnow.net<br />
&bull;Freedom from Smoking,ffsonline.org<br />
<br />
National organizations:<br />
&bull; American Lung Association (ALA), 800-586-4872 (Lung HelpLine), lung.org/stop-smoking<br />
&bull; American Cancer Society (ACS), 800-227-2345, cancer.org<br />
&bull; American Heart Association (AHA), 800-242-8721, americanheart.org<br />
<br />
More helpful websites:<br />
&bull; <a href="http://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/" target="_blank">cdc.gov/tobacco</a><br />
&bull; <a href="http://nicotine-anonymous.org/" target="_blank">nicotine-anonymous.org</a><br />
&bull; <a href="http://smokefree.gov/" target="_blank">smokefree.gov</a><br />
&bull; <a href="http://whyquit.com/" target="_blank">whyquit.com</a></p>
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</div>
</div>Thu, 12 Feb 2015 00:00:00 -0700{7CDC8228-F79B-4019-8551-C2114F7A9D31}http://10.40.239.129/blogs/2015/02/domestic-violence/Domestic Violence<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">Domestic violence, also known as intimate partner violence, is defined as abuse between two people in a close relationship. This includes individuals who are dating, and current and former spouses. This type of violence can occur once or multiple times. Domestic violence is categorized into four types of behaviors:&nbsp; Physical Abuse, Sexual Abuse, Threats, and Emotional Abuse. In Utah, between the years 2000-2011, there were 226 domestic violence-related homicides, averaging 19 deaths per year. National data shows that women reported approximately 4.8 million intimate partner related physical assaults and rapes yearly. &nbsp;This is a public health issue that we all need to be concerned about. Because of the damaging consequences of domestic violence, there are a number of organizations focused on helping. Below are resources available to serve those affected by domestic violence.</p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">&nbsp;The National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-7233</p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">Utah Domestic Violence Link Line 1-800 897- 5465</p>
Utah Domestic Violence Council 801-521-5544Thu, 12 Feb 2015 00:00:00 -0700{CCECA7D1-4DD5-4106-9623-6F0A9987DC3E}http://10.40.239.129/blogs/2015/02/cuddle-and-hug-your-way-to-better-health/Cuddle and Hug Your Way to Better Health<p style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">Our bodies are capable of amazing things, but it&rsquo;s especially amazing when we can help each other live healthier &ndash; cuddling and hugging are great examples of that. Here are five ways a hug or quality time cuddling can improve health. </p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">#1 Cuddling releases &ldquo;feel good&rdquo; hormones</p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">When we touch &ndash; cuddle, hug, or holding hands to start a short list &ndash; our bodies release &ldquo;feel good&rdquo; hormones. These hormones include oxytocin, dopamine, and serotonin. Once the hormones are released into our bodies we experience feelings of happiness, relaxation, improve mood, and lower levels of depression. Not too bad, right? </p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">It makes sense that when we are feeling down a hug can often help lighten our feelings. There is also research that suggest hugging or cuddling for more than six seconds oxytocin and serotonin are released at maximum levels. </p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">#2 Cuddling can boost your immune system</p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">It&rsquo;s often believed, when we are happy we are healthy. When we are released optimum levels of serotonin and oxytocin we&rsquo;re feeling particularly happy and in good spirits. Serotonin has also been linked to immune system improvement. </p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">Beyond the science of hormones, if we are hugging or cuddling with someone, it can be assumed they are a person we care for. These people should generally makes us happy. When we feel happy and cared for we feel safe and excited about the future, which helps reduce stress and depression which can lead to a weak immune system. Take a moment to give someone a hug and give them an immune system boost. </p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">#3 Cuddling reduces stress</p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">Having a rough day? Maybe feeling down in the dumps? You might just need a hug. </p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">Does this scenario: you have a bad day -&gt; you see a friend -&gt; friend says, &ldquo;you look like you need a hug.&rdquo; -&gt; you say, &ldquo;yes I do.&rdquo; -&gt; your friend gives you hug. </p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">Now enter the science: oxytocin is release and stress levels lower as well as level of anxiety. Day begins to get better. </p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">Sound familiar? If it doesn&rsquo;t, you might need a hug.</p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">#4 Better relationships</p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">In the book, &ldquo;The Five Love Languages&rdquo; by Gary Chapman, he identifies physical touch has one of five ways that we express love or want love to be expressed to us.&nbsp; For many, it&rsquo;s more important than words of affirmation, acts of service, receiving gifts or spending quality time together.&nbsp; So those folks who consider themselves &ldquo;cuddlers&rdquo; have identified their love language!&nbsp; It&rsquo;s vital for them to get this need met in order to feel loved and accepted.&nbsp; While receiving physical touch by people closest to us is ideal, it can also be enhanced with pets who can also be great &ldquo;cuddlers&rdquo;.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">#5 Cuddling improves mothers bonds</p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">When mothers have a new baby oxytocin is the hormone that is released into the blood stream to release breast milk. Not only does the baby induce the release of oxytocin, but sine the mother is cuddling baby, she is also receiving oxytocin emotions of stress reduction, anxiety reduction, and feelings of happiness.</p>
This is very important for both mom and baby. Another driver of skin-to-skin touch when babies are delivered.Mon, 09 Feb 2015 00:00:00 -0700{4B992ED3-3BB5-4077-A059-F85C7338455A}http://10.40.239.129/blogs/2015/02/reach-your-weight-loss-goal-by-tracking-your-progress/Reach Your Weight Loss Goal by Tracking Your ProgressMany of us may have trouble keeping our weight-loss goals; but there are ways to help us to reach the goals: track your food intake, physical activities and weight regularly.&nbsp;<br />
Tracking your food intake can help you identify the pattern of&nbsp;<br />
<ol>
<li><span style="line-height: 22.4px;">What you eat,</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 22.4px;">How you eat,</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 22.4px;">When you eat, and</span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 22.4px;">Recognizing where improvements can be made</span></li>
</ol>
<br />
By tracking your food intake, you can know where problems lay and improve on that area to achieve your weight loss goal. You might realize you eat too many snacks between meals, or you don&rsquo;t drink enough water.&nbsp;
<p><span style="line-height: 1.4em;"><br />
</span></p>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.4em;">Check out this video for more tips on the importance of tracking.</span></p>
<div style="position:relative; display:block; height:0; overflow:hidden; padding-bottom:56.25%;">
<iframe src="//www.youtube.com/embed/Hn2S-lFua2U?list=PLi4207J7629QWPiH5zKszYnsu0HOnT_6W" style="position:absolute; top:0; bottom:0; left:0; width:100%; height:100%; border:none;" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe>
</div>
<br />
Some useful free online trackers you can use include<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="line-height: 1.4em;">My Fitness Pal <a href="http://www.myfitnesspal.com/" target="_blank">www.myfitnesspal.com</a></span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 1.4em;">Choose My Plate &nbsp;<a href="http://www.choosemyplate.gov" target="_blank">www.choosemyplate.gov</a></span></li>
<li><span style="line-height: 1.4em;">SparkPeople &nbsp;<a href="http://www.sparkpeople.com" target="_blank">www.sparkpeople.com</a></span></li>
</ul>
<p>Start your tracking today, stick with it and be honest with yourself!</p>Mon, 09 Feb 2015 00:00:00 -0700{9E535A19-C719-458A-A49A-10906E359985}http://10.40.239.129/blogs/2015/02/live-well-with-nurse-julie-how-can-i-raise-my-energy-level/LiVe Well with Nurse Julie: How Can I Raise My Energy Level?<p>You recognize the importance of being active; you want to make it a priority in your life. You set a goal to exercise in the evenings, but after a long day of work and other obligations you are just too tired to follow through. You put off exercise for another day and continually feel like your energy level is low.</p>
<p>This dilemma is very common and one that I am asked about often. Watch this video I made to learn tips on how to get your energy level up!</p>
<div style="position:relative; display:block; height:0; overflow:hidden; padding-bottom:56.25%;"><iframe src="//www.youtube.com/embed/bsInhdWcdjY" style="position:absolute; top:0; bottom:0; left:0; width:100%; height:100%; border:none;" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>
<p>Before you start working up a solution to your low-energy problem, it is very important to first understand <i>why</i> your energy level may be low. This simple three-step process can point you in the right direction, making developing a solution easier. </p>
<p><b>1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </b><b>Rethink Your Day</b>: Ask yourself the key question, &ldquo;Why am I tired?&rdquo; Then take the time to ponder the answer. Perhaps you do not regularly get the recommended 7-8 hours of sleep a night. Or maybe its simply <i>because</i> you&rsquo;re not exercising. <b></b></p>
<p><b>2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </b><b>Evaluate Barriers:</b> Think about what your barriers are to getting regular exercise. If it is just time, carve out that time. Weigh the pros and cons of your daily activities and decide what is most important and beneficial to you.<b></b></p>
<p><b>3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </b><b>Identify Benefits:</b> Try to identify the benefits that you feel when you do exercise. For example, when you exercise your body releases natural endorphins that battle fatigue and give you self-sustaining energy throughout the day.</p>
<p>When you take time for these steps you start to better understand your own needs. This understanding can help you create a personal plan-of-action that will give you the energy boost you need!</p>
<p>If you have any questions for me about living well, please feel free to ask them on our Facebook page, Intermountain Live Well, and recommend us to your friends and family too.</p>Fri, 06 Feb 2015 00:00:00 -0700{F026AA97-D602-447C-BAB7-34C027D5027D}http://10.40.239.129/blogs/2015/02/an-introduction-to-palliative-care/An Introduction to Palliative Care<p>Palliative Care &nbsp;(pronounced pal-lee-uh-tiv) is medical care focused on improving quality of life for patients and their families. A key emphasis is managing pain and other symptoms such as nausea, sleep difficulty, fatigue and poor appetite. Palliative care also focuses on improving planning and communication among the care team (patient, family, and medical staff), and addressing emotional and spiritual needs. </p>
<h3>Is palliative care the same as hospice? </h3>
<p>No, the two are not the same. Hospice and palliative care both focus on quality of life, and a person receiving hospice services will receive palliative care (pain management, emotional support, and so on). However, hospice is limited to the end of life, while many palliative care patients recover from their illnesses. </p>
<h4>Here are some points illustrating the difference between palliative care and hospice: </h4>
<p>&bull; You can receive palliative care at any stage of life, and even for many years. Hospice care is reserved for people who are not expected to live longer than six months. </p>
<p>&bull; Palliative care can be given temporarily, to people who will go on to recover. Hospice is specifically focused on comfort at the end of life. </p>
<p>&bull; Palliative care may be combined with treatment designed to cure illness or prolong life. A person receiving hospice services does not receive such assertive medical treatment. </p>
<h4>What can I expect from palliative care?</h4>
<p>&nbsp;A palliative care consult can be done in the hospital or in the outpatient clinic. It is designed to support your care in all areas. The consult can take many forms, but in general you can expect the following:</p>
<p><strong>A team-based approach.</strong> The team will include you and your family, your current doctor and care providers, and specialists in palliative care. </p>
<p><strong>Specialized knowledge and experience.</strong> Palliative care specialists can address the more complex problems that come with a serious illness. They serve as resources for the rest of the team. </p>
<p><strong>Improved coordination and communication.</strong> As you probably know, a medical problem can make life complicated. A palliative care consult can help make your care &mdash; and your life &mdash; more organized and less confusing. For example, while you&rsquo;re in the hospital the team can help arrange for healthcare and other services you may need once you leave. </p>
<p><strong>Alignment with your desires and priorities.</strong> A consult gives you and your family a chance to reflect on your goals. It can also help ensure that the care you receive matches your current needs and values. Your palliative care team will never assume to know what kind of care you want. Instead, the team will talk in depth with you and your family to make sure you are guiding care at every point. </p>
<p><strong>A focus on quality of life in all areas.</strong> Your life is more than your medical problems or your treatment. From practical concerns to spiritual needs, a palliative care team can help you and your family feel less overwhelmed. You can focus on what&rsquo;s most important to you. </p>
<p><strong>Is palliative care covered by insurance?</strong> Many health plans, including Medicare and Medicaid, cover palliative care services in the hospital and as an outpatient service. We recommend that you check with your insurance company. Ask about your coverage in the hospital, and check your insurer&rsquo;s provider panel for approved outpatient palliative care physicians. </p>Thu, 05 Feb 2015 00:00:00 -0700{550AF7A0-A4DA-4D92-A549-9D970EFB115A}http://10.40.239.129/blogs/2015/02/vaccines-now-is-the-time-to-get-protected/Vaccines: Now is the Time to Get Protected<p>Last month, <a href="http://www.cdc.gov/measles/cases-outbreaks.html" target="_blank">102 people in 14 states reported having measles</a>. These cases are part of an ongoing outbreak that started in California in December of last year. Like other highly infectious diseases with serious outcomes, measles can be prevented with a simple solution: vaccination. New evidence on the impact and safety of vaccines has shifted the debate about vaccines toward supporting their value for children and adults. So when confronted with the question should I get vaccinated, the answer is YES! It is important that everyone be vaccinated, with only very rare exceptions. </p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><b>Why Vaccinations Help</b></p>
<p>The fact is that vaccines are safe, well tested, and they work. Vaccines jumpstart your immune system by helping your body build immunity to diseases and germs you may come in contact with later in life. Vaccines introduce killed or weakened germs into your body, which trigger your immune system to produce substances that combat them. If you encounter the germ again, your body remembers and can more quickly fight against it successfully. When many people are vaccinated, germs do not have a place to live and spread to other people. This controls outbreaks and creates a healthier environment for all. </p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><b>Why Not Getting Vaccinated Hurts</b></p>
<p>Young infants and those with some serious medical conditions cannot be vaccinated. When others choose not to be vaccinated, they put these very vulnerable people at risk. Vaccines are one of the safest and most effective preventive measures against infectious disease. When you are not vaccinated, you put yourself and others at serious risk when disease outbreaks occur, like the current measles outbreak. </p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><b>Where To Get Vaccinated</b></p>
<p>Vaccines are available in many locations. Your primary care clinic, pharmacy, and local health department are easy places to get the vaccines you need. If you are not sure where to go for a vaccine in your area, check out the Vaccination Locator at <a href="http://www.immunize-utah.org" target="_blank">www.immunize-utah.org</a>. </p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>When there is an outbreak of a serious vaccine preventable infection, it is a great time to make sure you and your family are up-to-date on all your recommended vaccines. Pull out your vaccine records and compare them with the <a href="http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules/easy-to-read/index.html" target="_blank">Centers for Disease Control and Prevention&rsquo;s recommend vaccination schedules</a>. Now is the time to get your vaccines and get protected!</p>Wed, 04 Feb 2015 00:00:00 -0700{4C8B3548-9C14-41D9-B148-2EA2432D2BCA}http://10.40.239.129/blogs/2015/01/outbreak-5-things-to-know-about-measles/Outbreak: 5 Things to Know About Measles<strong>1. What&rsquo;s going on? &nbsp;Why is there a focus on measles? &nbsp;Wasn&rsquo;t it was declared &ldquo;eliminated&rdquo;?</strong><br />
Measles was declared &ldquo;eliminated&rdquo; (free of sustained person-to person transmission for more than 12 months) in 2000. High population immunity was achieved by high 2-dose MMR (measles/mumps/rubella) vaccine coverage. &nbsp;Unfortunately, measles is still common in many parts of the world, including areas in Europe, Asia, and Africa. That is why cases sporadically arise in the US, potentially infecting unvaccinated children and adults. &nbsp;<br />
<br />
Most recently, <a href="http://www.cdc.gov/measles/cases-outbreaks.html" target="_blank">Centers for Disease Control and Prevention</a> is investigating a multi-state outbreak of measles, which started in California in December 2014. People in the initial confirmed cases reported visiting Disneyland in Orange County. Since then, 51 confirmed measles cases have been reported to CDC, three of which are from <a href="http://health.utah.gov/epi/diseases/measles/outbreak.html" target="_blank">Utah</a>. In all, 86 percent of cases are unvaccinated or had unknown vaccination status. Eight of the 51 were hospitalized. All were genotype B3, a strain of measles linked to an outbreak in the Philippines earlier in 2014. &nbsp;<br />
<br />
<strong>2. Who is at risk of getting measles? &nbsp;</strong><br />
People with measles are infectious from four days before the rash, to four days after the rash. It is a highly contagious virus. Infectious droplets and airborne particles stay on air and surfaces up to two hours after contact. Thankfully, vaccination prevents infection in 99 percent of persons given two vaccinations separated by at least four weeks. &nbsp;People who are unvaccinated are at highest risk of infection. &nbsp;&nbsp;<br />
<br />
<strong>3. What does measles look like? What are the symptoms?</strong>
<p><span style="line-height: 1.4em;">Prior to widespread immunity, CDC estimates there may have been three to four million cases per year. Of these 48,000 people per year were hospitalized. About 1000 per year were debilitated with neurologic complications. Now, most young healthcare providers have never seen a measles case. &nbsp;</span></p>
<p>Initially a person develops a fever, frequently as high as 105 degrees (F). Next, they begin feeling unwell, developing a cough, inflamed eyes (pinkeye). Irregular white, pink or bluish spots will develop on the roof of the mouth or inside the cheeks and lips. &nbsp;This is followed by a skin rash where elevated red bumps cover otherwise smooth areas of the body. The rash may not appear in people who have weakened immune systems due to another condition or medical treatment.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Common complications are ear infection, pneumonia, inflamed windpipe and lungs, and diarrhea. Mild inflammation of the brain is less common, affecting only one in 1000 cases. This condition is neurologically devastating, resulting in brain damage that is permanent. Dawson Disease, also known as SSPE (Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis), is a rare complication where behavioral and cognitive deterioration happens seven to 10 years after measles infection. Death can occur in one to three of every 1000 cases. Death rates are higher in children under 5 years of age, children who have immune systems weakened by another disease or treatment and children who are malnourished. &nbsp;&nbsp;<br />
<br />
<strong>4. If I have been vaccinated, do I need to get tested to prove I am immune?</strong><br />
If you have your vaccination records, check the dates. The <a href="http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/rr5903a1.htm?s_cid=rr5903a1_e" target="_blank">current guidelines </a>recommend two doses of MMR or Measles/Mumps/Rubella vaccine separated by at least four weeks, with the first dose on or after the first birthday. More than 99 percent of those who meet these criteria develop measles immunity. If you have no record of receiving the vaccine or don&rsquo;t know if you&rsquo;re immune, ask a medical professional to review your records.<br />
<br />
<strong>5. What should I do if I think a family member has measles?</strong><br />
If you suspect a family member has the measles, go to your primary care physician or urgent care for evaluation. Tell the person at check-in that you are concerned about measles. They will likely place you in a patient room with a mask. The provider then will complete their evaluation and recommend appropriate testing based on your symptoms.</p>
<div style="position:relative; display:block; height:0; overflow:hidden; padding-bottom:56.25%;"><iframe src="//www.youtube.com/embed/rF13FjzFMio" style="position:absolute; top:0; bottom:0; left:0; width:100%; height:100%; border:none;" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>
Fri, 30 Jan 2015 00:00:00 -0700{0AA559D2-83A5-4CE2-8638-7E619796EAAD}http://10.40.239.129/blogs/2015/01/live-well-with-nurse-julie-what-diet-is-right-for-me/LiVe Well with Nurse Julie: What Diet Is Right for Me?<p>**Sign up today for healthy tips and advice from Intermountain LiVe Well.&nbsp;<a href="http://intermountainhealthcare.org/LiveWell/About/LiVe%20Well%20Signup" target="_blank"><strong>Click Here</strong></a>.**</p>
<p>It seems like every few months a new diet comes out promising, if followed, a healthy and satisfying lifestyle. The list is endless: raw food diets, paleo diets, cleanses and detox routines, diets low in carbs, diets high in protein, and so on. A question I often get is how can I filter through these fads and find a diet that is right for me?</p>
<p>The most important first step is to determine your nutritional goals. Once you know them it will be much easier to decide what diet is right. In this video, I talk about different nutritional goals and what eating behaviors help support them. Check it out:</p>
<div style="position:relative; display:block; height:0; overflow:hidden; padding-bottom:56.25%;"><iframe src="//www.youtube.com/embed/V1dUbnEVnK0" style="position:absolute; top:0; bottom:0; left:0; width:100%; height:100%; border:none;" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>
<p>At times it can be difficult to assess what your dietary needs may be. Our <a href="http://intermountainhealthcare.org/live-well"><strong>LiVe Well Centers </strong></a>can be great resource to you during this process. At the centers, LiVe Well dieticians can walk through your nutritional goals with you and help you decide what diet is best suited for you. Here are some ideas to help you get the conversation started: </p>
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<p><b>Nutrition for Weight Loss:</b> If you are trying to lose weight, or just trying to be more mindful of the things you eat, it is important to be familiar with all the information on the nutritional label. This includes understanding the amount of calories, protein, and grams of sugar. Also, be sure to check if your food is fortified or not with the vitamins and minerals you need. </p>
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<p><b>Nutrition for Healing:</b> If you are injured or have a wound you&rsquo;re trying to heal, focus on adding more protein to your diet. The added protein, along with nutrients from your existing, balanced diet, will help your body during the healing process. </p>
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<p><b>Nutrition for Disease Prevention or Management: </b>In some cases, prevention or management of an existing disease may be your biggest concern. For example if you are diabetic, understanding and tracking your sugar and carbohydrate intake is essential. Your care provider can help you understand what next steps are necessary in this case. </p>
<p>Whatever your goals may be, always choose a diet that feels manageable to you. This will help make the process of reaching your nutritional goals more enjoyable. </p>
<p>If you have any questions, please feel free to ask them on our Facebook page, Intermountain Live Well, and recommend us to your friends and family too.</p>Thu, 29 Jan 2015 00:00:00 -0700{18F6E4A9-9386-4FCA-BC88-E9CE0BE77779}http://10.40.239.129/blogs/2015/01/our-antibiotic-future-found-in-the-dirt/Our Antibiotic Future Found in the Dirt<p>When you think of scientific discoveries what do you imagine? Maybe researchers gathered in a lab discussing the contents of a petri dish or test tube? Though many innovations happen in this type of environment, new scientific discoveries can also emerge from the least likely of places. This was the case in a recent game-changing antibiotic discovery; the source of the antibiotic &ndash; a pile of dirt. </p>
<p>A team of scientists from the Antimicrobial Discovery Center at Northwestern University and NovoBiotic Pharmaceuticals near Boston led this discovery using an innovative new technology. This new technology allows microbial substances, or potential antibiotics, to grow in their natural soil environment instead of a lab. Since only one percent of microbes can be successfully grown in a lab, this new approach opens up the other 99 percent to research. </p>
<p>The team developed a small device called an iChip that holds a soil sample between two semi-permeable membranes. This device, which is placed back into the soil, acts as a chamber for natural growth to occur at just the right conditions. Once a microbe colony is formed, the sample is domesticated and can be grown in a lab for further testing. </p>
<p>Of the 10,000 strains of bacteria they studied, one bacteria stood out the most for the antibiotic it produced: an antibiotic they called Teixobactin. This antibiotic is promising because of the unique way it interacts with bacteria. Most of our current antibiotics attack bacteria&rsquo;s proteins and inhibit a variety of cellular functions. This method is effective, but bacteria have developed resistance to these mechanisms and can now grow in the face of many antibiotics.&nbsp; Teixobactin is different. It kills bacteria by breaking down the cell walls and stopping the growth of new cells by attaching to different lipid structures in the cell wall. This slows the development of resistances and allows the antibiotic to be effective for a longer period of time. &nbsp;</p>
<p>The introduction of a new antibiotic that is less likely to develop resistance is a major advancement for the medical community. Historically, drug-resistant bacteria develop faster than researchers are able to discover or make new antibiotics to fight them. The result is an enormous population of people who are vulnerable to bacteria that can&rsquo;t respond to necessary medical intervention. </p>
<p>According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, &ldquo;Each year in the United States, at least 2 million people become infected with bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics and at least 23,000 people die each year as a direct result of these infections.&rdquo; This new antibiotic, theoretically, will be able to cut down some of those numbers. </p>
<p>This new discovery directly impacts our local community too. Antibiotic resistance is increasing both nationally and locally. Every day we see patients with infections with multi-drug resistance bacteria. The discovery of new antibiotics with unique mechanisms of action will provide Utahans more options when confronted with severe infections.&nbsp; </p>
<p>Currently the antibiotic is being tested in mice with positive results. Human testing is still two years off, but if successful, the benefits of this added resources will be immense. </p>
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<p><strong>Sources:</strong></p>
<p><a href="http://www.pri.org/stories/2015-01-19/scientists-discover-potent-new-antibiotic" target="_blank">http://www.pri.org/stories/2015-01-19/scientists-discover-potent-new-antibiotic</a> </p>
<p><a href="http://www.newsweek.com/new-antibiotic-found-dirt-298216" target="_blank">http://www.newsweek.com/new-antibiotic-found-dirt-298216</a> </p>
<p><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2015/01/08/health/from-a-pile-of-dirt-hope-for-a-powerful-new-antibiotic.html?_r=1" target="_blank">http://www.nytimes.com/2015/01/08/health/from-a-pile-of-dirt-hope-for-a-powerful-new-antibiotic.html?_r=1</a> </p>
<a href="http://www.cdc.gov/drugresistance/" target="_blank">http://www.cdc.gov/drugresistance/</a>Wed, 28 Jan 2015 00:00:00 -0700